School projects depend on voters

LEE CO., GA (WALB) -

Lee County voters will decide on a bond resolution that would give the school system more than $11 million for projects school officials say are necessary. But not all board members think the timing is right.

Schools throughout Lee County could soon see some big renovations, if voters approve a general obligation bond resolution.

"The voters in Lee County will have an opportunity to vote to authorize the school system to go forth and sell $11.5 million worth of bonds to fund various projects," said Dr. Lawrence Walters, the Lee County superintendent.

Those projects include replacing these old computers and installing a new track and tennis courts at Lee County High School. Even replacing a playground at Lee County Primary school.

"Most of the money that was generated from the SPLOST had to go to building schools. Well our schools are built now and all these other projects have been postponed for many, many years," explained Walters.

The Lee County school board voted four to one to add the resolution to the May 20th ballot.

"This bond issue, if it would be approved, we'd have a new computer and printer on every teacher's desk. All of our computers five years old or older would be replaced. We would have additional computer labs in each of our schools. And that's where we need to be for our students," said Walters.

But school board vice chairperson, Dr. Robert Clay voted against the resolution. "Basically I had several objections. I felt like this was something that we should not rush into at this point. That by waiting a year, or maybe two years, we could of done the same thing with a SPLOST referendum," said Clay.

The proposed resolution would replace a bond from 1995. "That was to build Kinchafoonee Primary school, the last payment is next year. So essentially this new debt would replace the old debt," said Walters.

Ultimately the decision is now up to voters. The general obligation bond resolution will be put on the May 20th ballot in the primary election.

Residents are still taking additional measures to stop the violence in Moss Point. Saturday afternoon, an outreach program on Main Street continued its efforts in the fight that's been going on for the past weeks.

Residents are still taking additional measures to stop the violence in Moss Point. Saturday afternoon, an outreach program on Main Street continued its efforts in the fight that's been going on for the past weeks.